A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagoya vs. Fiordland National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nagoya or Fiordland National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-the-radar, under-rated, and often overlooked city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Nagoya and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Milford Track
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagoya than Fiordland National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagoya is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fiordland National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Nagoya and is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Nagoya is well known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. Also, Nagoya is famous for the Nagoya Castle.

How is Nagoya different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park and Nagoya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Nagoya is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Nagoya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Nagoya is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Nagoya has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Nagoya is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Nagoya has a large number of nightlife venues. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Nagoya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Nagoya is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Nagoya is a very popular place for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nagoya or Fiordland National Park.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nagoya is a very family-friendly destination. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

Fiordland National Park is one of the most popular family destinations. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is very popular for couples. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fiordland National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.


Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Fiordland National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park Better for Students?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Nagoya is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Fiordland National Park is not popular with students.

Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Nagoya is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors to Nagoya can move around easily with public transportation. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.


Is Nagoya or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Nagoya
Fiordland National Park

Nagoya is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Nagoya is very walkable. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Nagoya Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Nagoya and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Nagoya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagoya, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

Families should spend more time in Nagoya than Fiordland National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nagoya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nagoya than Fiordland National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nagoya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nagoya than Fiordland National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Nagoya.


  • How many days in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagoya 2-3 
    Fiordland National Park 3-6

One day in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

People visit Nagoya because there is so much to do. Most people head to the area for the food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Fiordland National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Nagoya is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fiordland National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Nagoya is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagoya. Most people head to the area for the food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Fiordland National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Fiordland National Park or Nagoya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagoya is $89, while the average daily cost in Fiordland National Park is $97. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nagoya and Fiordland National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagoya $46
    Fiordland National Park $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagoya $92
    Fiordland National Park $96
Compare Hotels in Nagoya and Fiordland National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nagoya or Fiordland National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nagoya


Hotels in Fiordland National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagoya $11
    Fiordland National Park $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya city hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port : $131
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $144
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $283
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $94
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $187
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $136
  • Chubu Airport (NGO): Private Transfer to/from Naign Shrine: $768
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagoya or Fiordland National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fiordland National Park and Nagoya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nagoya $27
    Fiordland National Park $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Grandma’s Traditional Cooking Class: $65
  • Nagoya Special Food Tour: $66
  • Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home: $92
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagoya $13
    Fiordland National Park $20

Tours and Activities in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Day Tour with Ghibli Park Admission Ticket Round Trip from Nagoya: $174
  • Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony at a traditional house in Nagoya: $109
  • Explore Holy Mt Horaiji Private Tour: $207
  • Explore-Castles Tour in Samurai City Aichi Using Local Train: $233
  • From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $60
  • From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $60
  • Full-Day Kisoji Nakasendo Trail Tour from Nagoya: $226
  • Ghibli Park Ticket and Accommodation 2 Days Package (No Guide): $179
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Tokugawa Museum and Garden: $142
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $118
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Noritake Garden & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $110
  • Guided Half-day Tour(PM) to Nagoya Castle and Modern Technology at SCMAGLEV: $142

Tours and Activities in Fiordland National Park

For Fiordland National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide: $130

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagoya $12
    Fiordland National Park $8.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $38
  • Restaurant and Bar Crawl in Nagoya Japan: $40


When comparing the travel costs between Nagoya and Fiordland National Park, we can see that Fiordland National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nagoya is in Asia and Fiordland National Park is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nagoya Expensive? and Is Fiordland National Park Expensive?.